Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC) has been recognized with the ASPIRA-MaX Josefa Barba excellence seal from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The center’s director and researcher, Santiago Giralt, received the award at the Council’s management teams meeting held this year in Santiago de Compostela.

The Institute of Heritage Sciences (INCIPIT) hosted the June meeting of CSIC directors, where the Aspira MaX CSIC program distinctions were awarded. This initiative aims to promote scientific excellence within CSIC by recognizing the efforts of its research centers.

To achieve this, a general, accessible, and easy-to-use self-evaluation framework has been implemented for all CSIC centers and institutes. This program includes, among other proposals, the provision of financial aid for research centers to develop their own action plan, which outlines actions aimed at strengthening areas that need improvement. This involves a pathway that includes the allocation of resources and excellence accreditations.

In the first phase of this initiative, CSIC has awarded 40 Josefa Barba distinctions, including one to Geosciences Barcelona. Now, the center is working on preparing for the second phase, which will be evaluated by internal and external committees, to compete for the Sagrario Martínez-Carrera seal. This second accreditation entails the granting of up to €300,000 for the implementation and development of the excellence plan.

Directors’ Meeting

The management teams’ meeting also served to share the institution’s strategic lines and promote internal coordination. Among the main points discussed at the meeting was the presentation of CSIC’s Sustainability Plan, in which Santiago Giralt participated.

The document establishes the institution’s commitment to align its research, management, and organization efforts towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting also presented the Digital Transformation Plan, which will address the Momentum Program and training in artificial intelligence.

The meeting was attended by the CSIC management team, including the organization’s president, Eloísa del Pino; the vice president of Scientific and Technical Research, José María Martell; the vice president of Organization and Institutional Relations, Carlos Closa; the vice president of International Relations, Javier Moreno; the vice president of Innovation and Transfer, Ana Castro; and the secretary general, Ignacio Gutiérrez Llano.